Interview Question: What is the difference between technology and engineering?

Are you a mechanical engineer? If you are, then preparing for this kind of interview question is a requirement. The recruiter wants to know how knowledgeable you are in your field of expertise.

Below are some tips to help you ace this question during the interview:

Do your research. Taking the time to research helps you find concrete information to back up your answer. Go back to basics and formulate a simple yet concise answer to get your point across.

If engineering is an application of science, that makes technology a platform to showcase various methods of engineering.

Cite an example. Think of an example where you can apply two factors in one project. For instance, a bridge can be made using beams to bear the load — by an arc or cable. That’s where technology comes in. Engineering and science both have to be applied in order to distribute the laws of force and load.

Think of your past experiences. Perhaps you have worked on something in your previous job that will help you cite the difference between the two with greater precision, which gives you an advantage.

Keep it short and simple. Avoid a long, boring answer that doesn’t hit the question right on. It’s better to keep it simple and concise in order to impress the recruiter.

It doesn’t always have to be perfect. Keep in mind that there is no perfect answer to every interview question. It all lies in how the recruiter sees you as a candidate, depending on how you behave or interact during the interview. Don’t let the anxiety eat you.

Put a smile on your face. It doesn’t hurt to smile when answering interview questions. It not only gives you a positive vibe, it also helps lighten up the conversation as you go along.

Extend your gratitude. After the interview, don’t forget to thank the recruiter for calling you in for an appointment. It doesn’t matter whether you are hired or not; what’s important is that you acknowledged his or her time and effort.

After going for an interview, keep in touch with the recruiter by sending a follow-up email or two. Wait for a response before making your next move. If it’s a yes, take the time to be certain that you want the job. If you’re turned down, keep your head up and be optimistic that you’re next dream job is just an interview away.

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 40,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.